Decorative article of apparel

ABSTRACT

Decorative articles of apparel, such as decorative headbands, are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a decorative article of apparel includes a body member for at least partially encircling a wearer. Further, the decorative article of apparel includes a plurality of elastic string members mounted to the body member. Each elastic string member is configured to be stretched to form a channel between the body member and the respective elastic string member. Also, each elastic string member is configured to exert a constrictive force on and retain an inserted element in a respective channel.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The technical field generally relates to decorative articles of apparel, and more particularly relates to such articles provided with the ability for easily fastening decorative elements

BACKGROUND

Decorative articles of apparel, such as headbands, have a long history of use and include myriad designs encompassing a variety of structural configurations. However, such articles.

It is desirable to provide improved decorative articles of apparel that provide for selectively receiving and retaining inserted elements. Further, it is desirable to provide articles of apparel that are formed with pleasing aesthetics and that are durable. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Decorative articles of apparel and decorative headbands are provided. In an embodiment, a decorative article of apparel includes a body member for at least partially encircling a wearer. Further, the exemplary decorative article of apparel includes elastic string members mounted to the body member. Each elastic string member is configured to be stretched to form a channel between the body member and the respective elastic string member. Also, each elastic string member is configured to exert a constrictive force on and retain an inserted element in a respective channel.

In another exemplary embodiment, a decorative headband is provided. The exemplary decorative headband includes a U-shaped body member for resiliently gripping the head of a wearer. The U-shaped body member has an outer surface, defines a plane and extends in an arcuate direction from a first end to a second end. The decorative headband also includes constrictive members mounted to the U-shaped body member. The constrictive members are biased toward a resting configuration in which the constrictive members abut the outer surface of the U-shaped body member. Each constrictive member is movable to a stretched configuration in which a channel is opened between the respective constrictive member and the outer surface of the U-shaped body member for receiving an inserted element therein.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a person wearing a decorative article of apparel in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the decorative article of apparel of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the decorative article of apparel of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 4 is a top view schematic of a body member of the decorative article of apparel of FIGS. 2 and 3, shown in a straightened, planar configuration for clarity of discussion, in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 5 is a top view schematic of the body member of FIG. 4 illustrating a binding wound around the base support and upper component in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 6 is a top view schematic of the body member of FIG. 4 illustrating constrictive members mounted to the body member in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view schematic of the body member of FIG. 6 in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the body member and constrictive member taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6 and showing the constrictive member in a resting configuration in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the body member and elastic string taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6 in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the body member and constrictive member similar to FIG. 8 but showing the constrictive member in a stretched configuration in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 11 is a top view schematic of another embodiment of a decorative article of apparel in accordance with embodiments herein;

FIG. 12 is a side view schematic of another embodiment of a decorative article of apparel in accordance with embodiments herein; and

FIG. 13 is a side view schematic of another embodiment of a decorative article of apparel in accordance with embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the subject matter claimed herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background or brief summary, or in the following detailed description.

For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to conventional device fabrication may not be described in detail herein. Moreover, the various tasks and processes described herein may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional functionality not described in detail herein. Further, it is noted that single components shown in the illustrations may be representative of multiple components.

As described herein, decorative articles of apparel are provided for receiving and retaining inserted elements, such as flowers, feathers, ribbons, beads, veils, silks or other fabric, horns or other rigid structures, and/or any other desired decorative elements. The decorative articles of apparel provide a plurality of constrictive members that may individually or in combination hold inserted elements. Further, the decorative articles of apparel are provided with simplified constructions allowing for durability and ease of manufacture.

FIG. 1 illustrates a decorative article of apparel 10, shown as a hairband in FIG. 1, as worn on the head 12 of a user or wearer 14. In accordance with embodiments herein, the decorative article of apparel 10 supports and retains inserted elements 20, shown as flowers in FIG. 1. Other suitable inserted elements 20 may include feathers, ribbons, beads, veils, silks or other fabric, horns or other rigid structures, or any other desired decorative elements.

In FIG. 1, the decorative article of apparel 10 is illustrated as including a plurality of constrictive members 30, such as elastic string members, for receiving the inserted elements 20 and for clamping the inserted elements 20 to hold the inserted elements 20 to the decorative article of apparel 10. In FIG. 1, one constrictive element 30 is shown empty, i.e., without an inserted element 20, while four other constrictive elements 30 are each shown holding a single respective flower as an inserted element 20. However, a constrictive element 30 may hold more than one inserted element 20. Further, two or more constrictive elements 30 may “share” an inserted element 20 by holding different portions of the shared inserted element 20.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a decorative article of apparel 10 in accordance with an embodiment herein. The illustrated decorative article of apparel 10 includes a body member 40 for at least partially encircling a wearer. FIG. 2 largely illustrates an inner surface 41 of the body member 40 while FIG. 3 largely illustrates an outer surface 42 of the body member 40. As shown, the exemplary body member 40 is substantially U-shaped and forms and opening 43 between a first end 44 and a second end 45. The U-shaped body member 40 defines a plane and extends in an arcuate direction from the first end 44 to the second end 45.

FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of constrictive elements 30 mounted to the outer surface 42 of the body member 40. In an embodiment, the body member 40 is unitary, or formed of a single material, from first end 44 to second end 45, and the constrictive elements 30 are mounted to the outer surface 42 of the unitary body member 40. In such an embodiment, the body member 40 may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as by an extrusion, molding, or additive manufacturing process.

Apertures 48 are formed in the body member 40 and extend from the inner surface 41 of the body member 40 to the outer surface 42 of the body member 40. The constrictive elements 30 are mounted to the body member 40 through attachment to the apertures 48. Specifically, the constrictive members 30 are formed from a single elastic string 34 wound through the apertures 48. The elastic string 34 may be knotted at each end to prevent detachment and removal of the elastic string 34 from the body member 40.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the body member 40 includes a base support 50 and an upper component 52 secured to the base support 50. The exemplary base support 50 is U-shaped and forms the first end 44 and a second end 45 of the body member 40. The exemplary upper component 52 is also U-shaped and forms the outer surface 42 of the body member 40. The upper component 52 and base support 50 may be considered to each form portions of the inner surface 41 of the body member 40. The upper component 52 is formed with the apertures 48 passing through the upper component 52 from the inner surface 41 to the outer surface 42 of the upper component 52.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body member 40 is resilient and returns to its shape after normal use. For example, the base support 50 may provide the body member 40 with resilience to return to shape after normal use. An exemplary base support 50 may be metal. An exemplary upper component 52 may be somewhat flexible to allow the body member 40 flexibility for use. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper component 52 is leather, though other materials may be used.

The body member 40 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 further includes a binding 54 for securing the upper component 52 to the base support 50. An exemplary binding 54 is sinew or other non-elastic thread. As shown, the binding 54 is wound around the inner surface 41 of the base support 50, through the apertures 48, and around the outer surface 42 of the upper component 52. The binding 54 may be knotted at each end or otherwise fastened to the body member 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the binding 54 directly contacts the base support 50 and the upper component 52, with the constrictive members 30 overlying the binding 54.

FIG. 4 provides a top view schematic of a base support 50 and upper component 52 of the body member 40 of FIGS. 2 and 3, shown in a straightened, planar configuration for clarity of discussion. As shown, the base support 50 has a maximum length 61 from first end 44 to second end 45, and a maximum width 62. Likewise, the upper component 52 has a maximum length 63 that is less than length 61 of the base support 50. Further, the upper component 52 has a minimum width 64 that is greater than the width 62 of the base support 50.

Also, FIG. 4 illustrates that the apertures 48 are formed as pairs, with a portion of apertures 48 in a first row 66 and an opposite portion of apertures 48 in a second row 68. As shown, the distance 69 between an aperture 48 in row 66 and a respective opposite aperture 48 in row 68 is slightly greater than the width 62 of the base support 50.

FIG. 5 provides a top view schematic of a base support 50, upper component 52 and binding 54 of the body member 40 of FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 5, binding 54 is wound through the apertures 48 and around the base support 50 and upper component 52 to secure the upper component 52 to the base support 50.

FIG. 6 provides a top view schematic of a base support 50 and upper component 52 of the body member 40 of FIGS. 2 and 3 and of constrictive members 30 mounted to the body member 40. Binding 54 is not illustrated in FIG. 6 for purposes of clarity. As shown, each constrictive member 30 is mounted to and extends from an aperture 48 in first row 66 and is mounted and extends to an adjacent, but non-paired, aperture in second row 68. As a result, each constrictive member 30 extends diagonally, such as at an angle of about 45 degrees to the length of the body member 40. When formed from a single string 34, terminal portions 69 of the string 34 may extend between paired apertures 48 for knotting or other fastening to the body member 40.

FIG. 7 provides a bottom view schematic of the base support 50 and upper component 52 of the body member of FIG. 6 and of the underside portion of the string 34 for forming the constrictive members 30 shown in FIG. 6. As shown, the string 34 extends between paired apertures 48 and across the base support 50. While a single string 34 is described as forming the constrictive members 30, it is noted that more than one string 34, overlapping, partially overlapping, or non-overlapping may be utilized if desired.

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the body member 40 and constrictive member 30 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6. As shown, the elastic string 34 passes through each aperture 48 through the upper component 52 and forms the constrictive member 30 lying against, i.e., abutting, the outer surface 42 of the upper component 52. In FIG. 8, the constrictive member 30 is in a resting configuration in which an inner surface 71 of the constrictive member 30 abuts the outer surface 42. Each constrictive member 30 is biased toward the resting configuration, as the elastic string 34 is stretched when threaded into the apertures 48 and wound around the body member 40. Thus, the tendency of the elastic string 34 to contract provides a biasing force for the constrictive members 30 toward the resting configuration of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the body member 40 and elastic string 34 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6. As shown, the elastic string 34 passes through each aperture 48 through the upper component 52 and extends under the base support 50. An inner surface 72 contacts the inner surface 41 of the base support 50.

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the body member 40 and constrictive member 30 of FIG. 8 when the constrictive member 30 is moved to a stretched configuration. As a result, a channel 75 is opened and defined between the inner surface 71 of the constrictive member 30 and the outer surface 42 of the body member 40. Further, an inserted element 20 is positioned in the channel 75. As a result, the constrictive member 30, biased toward the resting configuration in FIG. 8, compresses the inserted element 20, providing a constrictive or retaining force on the inserted element 20 in the channel 75.

FIG. 11 is a top view of another embodiment of a decorative article of apparel 10. In FIG. 11, the body member 40 includes only the upper component 52, no base support is present. Accordingly, no binding is provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, constrictive members 30 are formed as described above and extend between adjacent, non-paired apertures 48.

Further, the decorative article of apparel 10 of FIG. 11 is provided at each end 41 and 42 with reciprocal clasp elements 80. As a result, the decorative article of apparel 10 of FIG. 11 may be linked at the clasp elements 80 to completely encircle a wearer's limb, such as for use as a bracelet or anklet, or to completely encircle a portion of a wearer's hair, such as for use as a scrunchie or pony tail or braid holder

FIG. 12 provides a side view of another embodiment of a body member 40 for a decorative article of apparel 10. In FIG. 12, the body member 40 forms a complete, uninterrupted link and may be used as a non-adjustable bracelet, bangle or hair piece. Constrictive members 30 may be formed on the body member 40 of FIG. 12 as described above in relation to other embodiments.

FIG. 13 provides a side view of another embodiment of a body member 40 for a decorative article of apparel 10. In FIG. 12, the body member 40 is C-shaped and includes an opening 43 between a first end 44 and a second end 45. An exemplary body member 40 is resilient and allows for a wearer to slip on the decorative article of apparel 10, such as a bracelet or anklet. Constrictive members 30 may be formed on the body member 40 of FIG. 13 as described above in relation to other embodiments.

As described herein, a decorative article of apparel is provided with means for receiving and retaining inserted elements, such as flowers, feathers, ribbons, beads, veils, silks or other fabric, horns or other rigid structures, and/or any other desired decorative elements. The decorative article of apparel allows for a variety of uses and styles through providing a plurality of constrictive members that may individually or in combination hold inserted elements. Further, the decorative articles of apparel are provided with simplified constructions allowing for durability and ease of manufacture.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration as claimed in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope herein as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A decorative article of apparel comprising: a body member for at least partially encircling a wearer; and elastic string members mounted to the body member, wherein each elastic string member is configured to be stretched to form a channel between the body member and the respective elastic string member, and wherein each elastic string member is configured to exert a constrictive force on and retain an inserted element in a respective channel.
 2. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein: the body member has an outer surface; each elastic string member has an inner surface; each elastic string member has a resting configuration in which the inner surface of the elastic string member abuts the outer surface of the body member; each elastic string member has a stretched configuration in which the respective channel is defined between the inner surface of the respective elastic string member and the outer surface of the body member.
 3. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member has an outer surface and an inner surface and is formed with apertures passing through the body member from the outer surface to the inner surface, and wherein the elastic string members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures.
 4. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member has an outer surface and an inner surface and is formed with a first row of apertures passing through the body member from the outer surface to the inner surface and with a second row of apertures passing through the body member from the outer surface to the inner surface, and wherein each elastic string member extends from a respective aperture in the first row of apertures to a respective aperture in the second row of apertures.
 5. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the base support.
 6. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the base support, wherein the base support has a first length and a first width, and wherein the upper component has a second length less than the first length and a second width greater than the first width.
 7. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the base support, wherein the upper component has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the upper component is formed with apertures passing through the upper component from the outer surface of the upper component to the inner surface of the upper component, and wherein the elastic string members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures.
 8. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein: the body member includes a base support, an upper component, and a binding; the upper component has an outer surface and an inner surface; the upper component is formed with apertures passing through the upper component from the outer surface of the upper component to the inner surface of the upper component; the upper component is secured to the base support by the binding wound through the apertures; and the elastic string members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures and overlying the binding.
 9. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 further comprising a first flower, wherein the first flower is retained in a first respective channel by a first respective elastic string member, and a second flower, wherein the second flower is retained in a second respective channel by a second respective elastic string member.
 10. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member is U-shaped for resiliently gripping the head of the wearer.
 11. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member is C-shaped for surrounding a limb of the wearer.
 12. The decorative article of apparel of claim 1 wherein the body member has a first end and a second end, and further comprising a clasp for connecting the first end to the second end.
 13. A decorative headband comprising: a U-shaped body member for resiliently gripping the head of a wearer, wherein the U-shaped body member has an outer surface, and wherein the U-shaped body member defines a plane and extends in an arcuate direction from a first end to a second end; constrictive members mounted to the U-shaped body member, wherein the constrictive members are biased toward a resting configuration in which the constrictive members abut the outer surface of the U-shaped body member, and wherein each constrictive member is movable to a stretched configuration in which a channel is opened between the respective constrictive member and the outer surface of the U-shaped body member for receiving an inserted element therein.
 14. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein the U-shaped body member has an inner surface and is formed with apertures passing through the U-shaped body member from the outer surface to the inner surface, and wherein the constrictive members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures.
 15. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein the U-shaped body member has an inner surface and is formed with a first row of apertures passing through the U-shaped body member from the outer surface to the inner surface and with a second row of apertures passing through the U-shaped body member from the outer surface to the inner surface, and wherein each constrictive member extends from a respective aperture in the first row of apertures to a respective aperture in the second row of apertures.
 16. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein the U-shaped body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the base support.
 17. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein the U-shaped body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the U-shaped base support, wherein the base support has a first length and a first width, and wherein the upper component has a second length less than the first length and a second width greater than the first width.
 18. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein: the U-shaped body member includes a base support and an upper component secured to the base support; the outer surface of the U-shaped body member is formed by an outer surface of the upper component; the upper component has an inner surface; the upper component is formed with apertures passing through the upper component from the outer surface of the upper component to the inner surface of the upper component; and the constrictive members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures.
 19. The decorative headband of claim 13 wherein: the U-shaped body member includes a base support, an upper component, and a binding; the outer surface of the U-shaped body member is formed by an outer surface of the upper component; the upper component has an inner surface; the upper component is formed with apertures passing through the upper component from the outer surface of the upper component to the inner surface of the upper component; the upper component is secured to the base support by the binding wound through the apertures; and the constrictive members are formed by an elastic string wound through the apertures and overlying the binding.
 20. The decorative headband of claim 13 further comprising a first flower, wherein the first flower is retained in a first respective channel by a first constrictive member, and a second flower, wherein the second flower is retained in a second respective channel by a second respective constrictive member. 